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Journalists also affected Once disguised by a code of professionalism Many now acknowledge pain and suffering

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Trauma & Journalism How do journalists usefully report violence to audience already saturated by violent media? What are the personal and professional costs of trading in injuries or hurts of other humans? William Coté & Roger Simpson, Covering Violence

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PremiseNews can tie the victim and the public togetherconstructively through the rigor of thoughtfulreporting practicesJournalists can act humanely toward victims whileadhering to the traditional values of journalism William Coté & Roger Simpson, Covering Violence

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Ethical goals1. Search responsibly for the truth2. Keep the public interest in mind3. Care for the people in the story and others close to them4. Respect the voices of people at the center of an event5. Know that storytellers are also at risk6. Do no harm William Coté & Roger Simpson, Covering Violence

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Journalistic treatment of criminals & victims Do not glamorize the criminal Give victim “equal space” Not minutes or column inches Fair, thoughtful, humane Recognize that the trauma victim has become a different person William Coté & Roger Simpson, Covering Violence

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Concern for victims Re-examine assumption that reporters must interview all victims and that photographers must capture photos, video & audio of all victims Make choice between preventing harm and causing harm William Coté & Roger Simpson, Covering Violence

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Interviewing victims • Treat victim with dignity and respect – Know when and how to “back off” • Clearly identify yourself – Don’t be surprised if you receive a harsh reaction (particularly from parents of child victims) – Do not respond with your own harsh reaction Dart Center, University of Washington: “Tragedies and Journalists: A Guide for More Effective Coverage,” 2003.

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Interviewing victims • You can say you’re sorry for the person’s loss – Do not be surprised with response “Sorry isn’t good enough.” • Never say “I understand” or “I know how you feel.” • Don’t start with the hardest question. – “Can you tell me about Jerry’s life?” – “What did Jerry like to do?” • Listen Dart Center, University of Washington: “Tragedies and Journalists: A Guide for More Effective Coverage,” 2003.

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Interviewing victims • When interviewing relatives of a missing person emphasize you seek to profile their lives before the person went missing – not an obituary. • Leave your card in case they want to talk later. Dart Center, University of Washington: “Tragedies and Journalists: A Guide for More Effective Coverage,” 2003.

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Writing about victims • Focus on the person’s life • Always be accurate – Double check (victims may be confused or distracted when you first talk to them) • Use details that describe victims as they lived • Avoid unneeded gory details about the victims’ death Dart Center, University of Washington: “Tragedies and Journalists: A Guide for More Effective Coverage,” 2003.

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Writing about victims • Avoid the following words and terms: – “closure” – “will rest in peace” – “a shocked community mourns the death...” • Instead, use simple and clear words • Use quotes and anecdotes from victims friends and relatives to describe the person’s life • Borrow (and quickly return) current photos of the victim Dart Center, University of Washington: “Tragedies and Journalists: A Guide for More Effective Coverage,” 2003.

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The visual story • Journalists often are the first to arrive on the scene – Be aware of dangerous situations – Be ready for harsh reactions from law enforcement and public – Stay calm – Leave scene if too dangerous Dart Center, University of Washington: “Tragedies and Journalists: A Guide for More Effective Coverage,” 2003.

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The visual story • If you record bloody images, ask yourself whether these are important enough for historical purposes or too graphic for your readers and viewers • Do everything possible to avoid violating someone’s private grieving – Distinguish between emotion at public scenes and a private grieving process on private property Dart Center, University of Washington: “Tragedies and Journalists: A Guide for More Effective Coverage,” 2003.

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Journalists as first responders • Know your limits • Take breaks • Realize that you are a human being who must take care of your mind • Find a sensitive listener • Talk about your experience, admit your emotions • Seek comfort from the Gospel • If necessary, seek professional counseling Dart Center, University of Washington: “Tragedies and Journalists: A Guide for More Effective Coverage,” 2003.